Hodgson had no plans to quit

Roy Hodgson never considered quitting in the wake of England's disappointing World Cup campaign.

The Three Lions' departure from Brazil was confirmed before a lot of teams had played their second game of the tournament, but manager Hodgson's position never really came into question.

He was immediately backed by Football Association chairman Greg Dyke and is now back in office planning for the Euro 2016 qualifiers.

"There have been plenty of dark moments, times where looking back you don't believe fate has put you in that situation," he told Sky Sports News.

"But the fact is that I would quite happily relinquish this job any time my employers think they don't want me anymore, or when I feel the players don't have the respect necessary or feel they don't want to continue playing for me. In that moment if it's time for me to walk away I will do, but this time it was made clear to me that wasn't the situation.

"The FA wanted me to continue in the job, the feedback from the people around the team was the same, therefore there was never any doubt in my mind that I would continue."

The aftermath of the World Cup saw captain Steven Gerrard retire from international football, leaving Hodgson with a decision to make as to who will replace the Liverpool midfielder.

Names such as Joe Hart and Wayne Rooney have been suggested, but it is unlikely that Gerrard's long-time midfield partner Frank Lampard will get the nod.

The 36-year-old is about to begin a six-month stay with Manchester City before a new start with New York City and has not called time on his international career yet.

Hodgson is glad that Chelsea's record goalscorer remains available for selection and, although he accepts he could skipper the side when the qualifiers start, he does not view him as the most viable long-term option.

"It's not easy when you're playing in America to go back and forward for the odd England game. It's not to say it's not a possibility, but realistically we know that Frank - we've had this discussion - will be 38 in 2016.

"We can't consistently look backwards on these very, very great players who have played over 100 times for England and expect it to last forever.

"I said to Frank and Steven I don't want you to retire, I want you there. You're realistic and realise you know that you can't necessarily be the key player you have been for 106 games or 114 games, but the fact that you're around and prepared to put yourself forward if called upon is a real bonus to have as a manager.

"I think Frank's major concern has to be his new Manchester City adventure and then his new job at New York City where he is the marquee player and could very well find himself as captain. I can't expect him to say 'please make me captain because in 2018 I want to lead the team out' because I don't think he will be thinking that himself.

"But if he is with us for the first game then who knows, he could captain the team that day. I'm not hung up on it in that respect."